{"id":224459,"date":"2025-04-21T09:36:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=224459"},"modified":"2026-04-16T17:08:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T21:08:47","slug":"poole-college-announces-2025-annual-student-award-winners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/21\/poole-college-announces-2025-annual-student-award-winners\/","title":{"rendered":"Poole College Announces 2025 Annual Student Award Winners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

Poole College students are exceptional in and out of the classroom, living the college’s values<\/a> in a number of different ways. With the support of generous donors, we have created several awards to recognize students graduating in May whose outstanding efforts have contributed to the success of Poole College. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe student awards is a great opportunity for us to highlight the amazing work of our students. From resilience to leadership, our students continue to show the Poole difference,\u201d says Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy<\/a>. \u201cI am excited to get the opportunity to continue this celebration of our graduates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The awards are made possible by an endowment established by Poole alumnus Alex Darden<\/a> (’98, Business Administration) in honor of his father, Jim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNC State was a foundational part of my life,” Darden says. “It\u2019s important to try to make sure others have a similar opportunity. I also wanted a way to honor my dad. This seemed like a good opportunity to do that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The annual award winners will be celebrated at a May 1 ceremony in the Witherspoon Student Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Student Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for All-Around Excellence<\/strong>
Vanessa Jacobs
Business Administration, Information Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Vanessa is actively involved with Multicultural Student Affairs, undergraduate admissions and TRIO Student Support Services Program at NC State. She also served on the executive board of the Black Business Student Association. “Vanessa is an exceptional candidate for the All-Around Excellence award due to her outstanding leadership, service, and academic engagement,” shared Courtney Simpson, senior director of TRIO programs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Vanessa\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

“Through her diverse experiences, Vanessa has demonstrated a commitment to empowering others, fostering community, and excelling in professional environments,” Simpson says. Her leadership in the Black Business Students Association, TRIO and the Chancellor\u2019s Leadership Development Program highlights her dedication to mentorship and equity, while her ability to put into practice what she has learned as a student in Poole, highlights her adaptability and sharp problem-solving skills. Vanessa\u2019s dedication to service, professional development and academic excellence make her a well-rounded and deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Impactful Scholarship<\/strong>
Yeshupriya Chilukuri
Business Administration, Information Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Yeshupriya is an inaugural executive board member of the P.U.S.H. Advocates, a leader in Residence Life, and a member of the Business Analytics Honor Society. “Priya is a dedicated advocate and researcher whose advocacy, research and community engagement sets her apart,” shared Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy<\/a>. During her time at Poole, Yeshupriya studied abroad through the International Maymester Program in Sevilla, Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Yeshupriya\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

“As an inaugural member of the P.U.S.H. advocates, Priya has been a champion for advocacy and sense of belonging,” Banks says. “Outside of the student hub, Priya has demonstrated impressive academic curiosity and initiative through her involvement in research.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Excellence in Innovation <\/strong>
Vidisha Mahajan
Business Administration, Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

During her time at Poole College, Vidisha has served as the executive vice president of strategy for the NC State chapter of the American Marketing Association. Vidisha is also a member of Poole’s Business Analytics Honors Program and studied abroad through the International Maymester Program in Sevilla, Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Vidisha\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

“Vidisha is a forward-thinking leader who has made a lasting impact on Poole College through her innovative mindset, strategic vision, and ability to turn ideas into action,” says her nominator. “Whether through academics, student organizations or professional experiences, she has consistently sought new ways to drive growth, engagement and success within the Poole community.” Describing Vidisha as “a problem-solver and innovator who always looks for ways to improve and elevate the student experience,” her nominator says, “She not only takes initiative but also inspires others to think creatively and make meaningful contributions. Vidisha\u2019s ability to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas to the table, and create real impact sets her apart.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Leadership  <\/strong>
Landon Hong
Business Administration, Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Landon serves as the president of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board at Poole College, completed four internships, and participated in a three-week marketing study abroad program in Reims, France. “Landon brings energy, vision and creative problem-solving to every role he takes on,” says Tedd Szeto, assistant dean for undergraduate programs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Landon\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

“His leadership of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board enabled the board to advance numerous activities including student participation in Day of Giving, awarding of the freshman scholarship and outstanding faculty, and he was particularly instrumental in kicking off the new social media strategy initiative,” Szeto says. “He has held other leadership roles in the organization; of note, he stepped into the vice president role last year when an unforeseen need arose. His outstanding leadership skills include the ability to gently and effectively motivate his teams, find creative solutions to issues, maintain an energetic and positive outlook, and provide vision to the organization.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Resilience<\/strong>
Lexus Silver
Business Administration, Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Lexus serves in a number of different organizations at NC State, including the university’s chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants and Women in Business. She is also the financial secretary of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and treasurer of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at NC State. In addition to those leadership roles, Lexus works as a marketing intern with NC State Athletics, a recruiting intern for Wolfpack Football, and a student assistant in the Poole College Dean’s Office.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Lexus\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n


“Lexus exemplifies outstanding leadership, financial acumen and community involvement, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition,” shares Kimberly Whitfield, executive assistant to the dean<\/a>. “Her ability to balance academic responsibilities while excelling in multiple leadership roles showcases her extraordinary capabilities and resilience.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Resilience<\/strong>
Justin Hazel
Business Administration, Information Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Justin is a non-traditional, first-generation college student who began his academic journey at 30 after working in diverse roles including computer repair, property management, and as a chef. While at NC State, Justin interned with the Office of Information Technology’s ISRA department. While balancing school, work and being the father of a two-year-old, Justin has been actively involved in the Poole community through leadership roles in P.U.S.H. Advocates and membership with the Queer Business Student Association. Justin is the recipient of the Charles Stalling Scholarship and a 2025 Remain Social Change nominee.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Justin\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

Graduate Student Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Bryant Yang
Master of Accounting<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

As a student in the Jenkins MAC Program, Bryant serves as a TA for Introduction to Financial Accounting (ACC 210) and as an intern with the NC State Office of Information Technology. As an undergraduate student in Poole College, Bryant was an accounting major with a concentration in data analytics. He participated in the Business Analytics Honors Program and served as VP of Finance for Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. He has completed an internship with Deloitte.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Bryant\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Georgianna Sow
Master of Management, Risk and Analytics<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Georgianna earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from NC State and now serves as an Accounting Operations Manager at Red Hat.

“It’s hard to think of a student more dedicated to the MRA program than Georgianna,” says Megan Van Hook, assistant director of advising and student affairs<\/a>. “She gives 110% to every project and is an amazing support and mentor to fellow students.”<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Georgianna\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Sedrick Sweat
Master of Business Administration<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Sedrick brings a strong leadership presences to Poole, serving as vice president of the MBA Student Association, vice chair of the Graduate School Board (which he also co-founded), and as an MBA Ambassador. Sedrick’s drive for impact is shown in his accomplishments. From proposing a new Faculty and Staff Member of the Year Award, to studying abroad in Switzerland. Sedrick is also a McLaughlin Leadership Fellow and has completed a high-impact MBA internship with SC Johnson.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Sedrick\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Andrew Baker
Master of Management, Marketing Analytics<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n \n
\n \n\n

Andrew earned his Master of Management in Marketing Analytics in December 2024. While in the program, he served as a student ambassador, helping staff engage with prospective students. He made history as the first Marketing Analytics student to participate in the McLauchlan Leadership Series and was also a founding member of the Poole College Graduate Student Advisory Board. <\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n \"Andrew\n <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

Poole College students are exceptional in and out of the classroom, living the college's values<\/a> in a number of different ways. With the support of generous donors, we have created several awards to recognize students graduating in May whose outstanding efforts have contributed to the success of Poole College. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe student awards is a great opportunity for us to highlight the amazing work of our students. From resilience to leadership, our students continue to show the Poole difference,\u201d says Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy<\/a>. \u201cI am excited to get the opportunity to continue this celebration of our graduates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The awards are made possible by an endowment established by Poole alumnus Alex Darden<\/a> ('98, Business Administration) in honor of his father, Jim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNC State was a foundational part of my life,\" Darden says. \"It\u2019s important to try to make sure others have a similar opportunity. I also wanted a way to honor my dad. This seemed like a good opportunity to do that.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The annual award winners will be celebrated at a May 1 ceremony in the Witherspoon Student Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Student Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for All-Around Excellence<\/strong>
Vanessa Jacobs
Business Administration, Information Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Vanessa is actively involved with Multicultural Student Affairs, undergraduate admissions and TRIO Student Support Services Program at NC State. She also served on the executive board of the Black Business Student Association. \"Vanessa is an exceptional candidate for the All-Around Excellence award due to her outstanding leadership, service, and academic engagement,\" shared Courtney Simpson, senior director of TRIO programs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Through her diverse experiences, Vanessa has demonstrated a commitment to empowering others, fostering community, and excelling in professional environments,\" Simpson says. Her leadership in the Black Business Students Association, TRIO and the Chancellor\u2019s Leadership Development Program highlights her dedication to mentorship and equity, while her ability to put into practice what she has learned as a student in Poole, highlights her adaptability and sharp problem-solving skills. Vanessa\u2019s dedication to service, professional development and academic excellence make her a well-rounded and deserving recipient of this prestigious award.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Impactful Scholarship<\/strong>
Yeshupriya Chilukuri
Business Administration, Information Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Yeshupriya is an inaugural executive board member of the P.U.S.H. Advocates, a leader in Residence Life, and a member of the Business Analytics Honor Society. \"Priya is a dedicated advocate and researcher whose advocacy, research and community engagement sets her apart,\" shared Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy<\/a>. During her time at Poole, Yeshupriya studied abroad through the International Maymester Program in Sevilla, Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"As an inaugural member of the P.U.S.H. advocates, Priya has been a champion for advocacy and sense of belonging,\" Banks says. \"Outside of the student hub, Priya has demonstrated impressive academic curiosity and initiative through her involvement in research.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Excellence in Innovation <\/strong>
Vidisha Mahajan
Business Administration, Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

During her time at Poole College, Vidisha has served as the executive vice president of strategy for the NC State chapter of the American Marketing Association. Vidisha is also a member of Poole's Business Analytics Honors Program and studied abroad through the International Maymester Program in Sevilla, Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Vidisha is a forward-thinking leader who has made a lasting impact on Poole College through her innovative mindset, strategic vision, and ability to turn ideas into action,\" says her nominator. \"Whether through academics, student organizations or professional experiences, she has consistently sought new ways to drive growth, engagement and success within the Poole community.\" Describing Vidisha as \"a problem-solver and innovator who always looks for ways to improve and elevate the student experience,\" her nominator says, \"She not only takes initiative but also inspires others to think creatively and make meaningful contributions. Vidisha\u2019s ability to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas to the table, and create real impact sets her apart.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Leadership  <\/strong>
Landon Hong
Business Administration, Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Landon serves as the president of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board at Poole College, completed four internships, and participated in a three-week marketing study abroad program in Reims, France. \"Landon brings energy, vision and creative problem-solving to every role he takes on,\" says Tedd Szeto, assistant dean for undergraduate programs<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"His leadership of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board enabled the board to advance numerous activities including student participation in Day of Giving, awarding of the freshman scholarship and outstanding faculty, and he was particularly instrumental in kicking off the new social media strategy initiative,\" Szeto says. \"He has held other leadership roles in the organization; of note, he stepped into the vice president role last year when an unforeseen need arose. His outstanding leadership skills include the ability to gently and effectively motivate his teams, find creative solutions to issues, maintain an energetic and positive outlook, and provide vision to the organization.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Resilience<\/strong>
Lexus Silver
Business Administration, Marketing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Lexus serves in a number of different organizations at NC State, including the university's chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants and Women in Business. She is also the financial secretary of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and treasurer of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at NC State. In addition to those leadership roles, Lexus works as a marketing intern with NC State Athletics, a recruiting intern for Wolfpack Football, and a student assistant in the Poole College Dean's Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n


\"Lexus exemplifies outstanding leadership, financial acumen and community involvement, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition,\" shares Kimberly Whitfield, executive assistant to the dean<\/a>. \"Her ability to balance academic responsibilities while excelling in multiple leadership roles showcases her extraordinary capabilities and resilience.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poole College Award for Resilience<\/strong>
Justin Hazel
Business Administration, Information Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Justin is a non-traditional, first-generation college student who began his academic journey at 30 after working in diverse roles including computer repair, property management, and as a chef. While at NC State, Justin interned with the Office of Information Technology's ISRA department. While balancing school, work and being the father of a two-year-old, Justin has been actively involved in the Poole community through leadership roles in P.U.S.H. Advocates and membership with the Queer Business Student Association. Justin is the recipient of the Charles Stalling Scholarship and a 2025 Remain Social Change nominee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Graduate Student Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Bryant Yang
Master of Accounting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

As a student in the Jenkins MAC Program, Bryant serves as a TA for Introduction to Financial Accounting (ACC 210) and as an intern with the NC State Office of Information Technology. As an undergraduate student in Poole College, Bryant was an accounting major with a concentration in data analytics. He participated in the Business Analytics Honors Program and served as VP of Finance for Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. He has completed an internship with Deloitte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Georgianna Sow
Master of Management, Risk and Analytics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Georgianna earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from NC State and now serves as an Accounting Operations Manager at Red Hat.

\"It's hard to think of a student more dedicated to the MRA program than Georgianna,\" says Megan Van Hook, assistant director of advising and student affairs<\/a>. \"She gives 110% to every project and is an amazing support and mentor to fellow students.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Sedrick Sweat
Master of Business Administration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Sedrick brings a strong leadership presences to Poole, serving as vice president of the MBA Student Association, vice chair of the Graduate School Board (which he also co-founded), and as an MBA Ambassador. Sedrick's drive for impact is shown in his accomplishments. From proposing a new Faculty and Staff Member of the Year Award, to studying abroad in Switzerland. Sedrick is also a McLaughlin Leadership Fellow and has completed a high-impact MBA internship with SC Johnson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Jenkins Graduate Student Impact Award<\/strong>
Andrew Baker
Master of Management, Marketing Analytics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Andrew earned his Master of Management in Marketing Analytics in December 2024. While in the program, he served as a student ambassador, helping staff engage with prospective students. He made history as the first Marketing Analytics student to participate in the McLauchlan Leadership Series and was also a founding member of the Poole College Graduate Student Advisory Board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From leadership to resilience to all-around excellence, these students embody the college’s spirit \u2014 and our mission to make the world a better place to live and work. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30294,"featured_media":224542,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"caption\":\"Poole College Dean Frank Buckless speaks at the inaugural Student Awards Luncheon in spring 2024.\",\"displayCategoryID\":1893,\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"subtitle\":\"From leadership to resilience to all-around excellence, these 10 students embody the college's spirit \u2014 and our mission to make the world a better place to live and work. \"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1652,398,468,286,1893,9,14],"tags":[1857,1864],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"class_list":["post-224459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-awards","category-mac-program","category-mba","category-newswire","category-student-success","category-students","category-undergraduate","tag-awards-and-recognition","tag-student-success"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":1893,"name":"Student Success","slug":"student-success","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1893,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":9,"count":70,"filter":"raw"},"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224459","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30294"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=224459"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":226861,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/224459\/revisions\/226861"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/224542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=224459"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=224459"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=224459"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/poole.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=224459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}